The ever popular US TV soul programme 'Soul Train' from the 1970's is probably the most sought after collectors item on video at the moment with performances from the early years commanding very high prices on the black market (if you are lucky to find any) albeit on poor quality bootleg copies of which I must confess I own over a hundred such performances of varying quality, but you cannot deny the excitement that watching the show still generates to this day. There can't be a soul artist in existence who hasn't performed on the show which started in early 1971 as a pilot show by then presenter Don Cornelius who hosted the popular show for over twenty years.

Whilst the name Soul Train conjures up images of a soul only acceptance by the audience it is interesting to note that many white artists graced the famous studio stage in California from David Bowie (Golden Years & Fame) to Jose Feliciano but to name two, and it was veteran Gladys Knight who made the first appearance in 1971. Anyone who has ever watched the programme will know that the apart from the artists themselves, there was the Soul Train Gang who were the actual audience and dancers on the show. A major feature of the show was the spectacular dance routines that black American's were famous for, and Don Cornelius even held held dance competitions amongst the audience. It made essential viewing for black American's who now had their own show, and their own music.

It is well known that Jodie Watley and Jeffrey Daniels from Shalamar fame were initially discovered on the show via their unique style of dancing and the rest as they is history. Soul Train had always taken pride in it's theme tunes and there have been numerous songs that the show have used over the years, most notable being TSOP by MFSB and the Three Degrees, to the Whispers with 'Up On Soul Train' to name just two. It seemed a viable business move to launch a record label based around the programme and the Soul Train label was launched mid way through the decade. Whilst I confess to owning a copy of the single 'Soul Train 75' which became a theme for the show I must admit to not knowing that this album existed so it was with great pride that I took delivery of this promo CD.

My first initial thoughts when I played it was that it was just a collection of poor quality 'faceless disco tunes' stripped of any REAL soul  (although I must confess that I liked the dance version of Stevie Wonder's 'My Cherie Amour') of which I played to a live audience last weekend who simply loved it!!. Once you reach track 7 the tempo changes into some serious soul and 'Searching For Another Love' is a gorgeous ballad of the highest order with an orchestral arrangement that must be Gene Page?

The rest of this CD is so totally different to that what you are expecting from the first few tracks, with songs that hint on the Fifth Dimension to The Younhearts, and listening to the standout song in 'That Certain Way' a dreamy ballad that will match any other soul classic of the day.'Ooh Cha' is a catchy dancer straight out of the Gamble & Huff stable and rates as a good Philly tunes despite it's corny title - don't let the title fool ya!

'How Much Longer' could have been a Salsoul track from Eddie Holman as it has all the hints of his 'All My Life' from his 1977 classic album, and don't overlook the appealing ''If It Takes All Night' which could have been a Stylistics/Blue Magic song as the comparison stands out a mile.

The bottom line is that this CD should not be tagged as disco dross, as close and careful examination of each track will reveal some beautiful soul ballads and Philly dancers that are just begging for your attention. It is a pity that the first half a dozen tracks on this CD give the listener a false sense of security and its only when one delves deeper into the set does one find the real gems.

A really appealing set if you ignore the first six tracks.

Rating 7/10
Available now.